• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Display Search Bar
  • Contact
Follow me on Facebook! Follow me on Twitter! Follow me on Pinterest! Follow me on Instagram! Email me!

Diabetic Foodie

Because a diabetes diagnosis a diabetes diagnosis still means a life full of flavor!

  • Home
  • About
    • Meet The Team
    • Food Philosophy
  • Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Main Dishes
      • Fish & Seafood
      • Meats
      • Poultry
      • Vegetarian
    • Pasta & Grains
    • Salads & Dressings
    • Sandwiches
    • Sauces & Condiments
    • Seasonal
      • Fall
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Winter
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups & Stews
  • Special Diets
    • Gluten-free
    • Paleo
    • Vegan
Home » Main Dishes » Poultry » Grilled Marinated Chicken Breasts

Grilled Marinated Chicken Breasts

Posted by: Diabetic Foodie / Paleo, Poultry / May 25, 2012

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Grilled marinated chicken breast on a white speckled plate with a bite cut from the breast and sitting on a gold fork on the plate

Sick of boring, dry chicken? You have to try these delicious grilled marinated chicken breasts! They’re juicy and flavorful with just a hint of smokiness.

Grilled marinated chicken breast on a white speckled plate with a bite cut from the breast and sitting on a gold fork on the plate

If you’re like me, you usually avoid grilling boneless chicken breasts because it’s so easy to dry them out.

But I’ve finally figured it out: the secret to tender chicken breasts is fresh lemon juice! Who knew it could be so easy? That’s why these grilled marinated chicken breasts turn out so flavorful and juicy.

Marinating the chicken in lemon juice actually kicks off the cooking process. This means you don’t have to cook the breasts as long, which helps the meat stay moist. Brilliant!

So if you love the ease of grilling but still want to enjoy tender and flavorful chicken breast, this is by far the best way to do it. You’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time!

How to make grilled marinated chicken breasts

This recipe can be made on the grill or by using a grill pan on the stove. Either way, your chicken will be ready in just a few simple steps!

Ingredients separated into individual bowls, ramekins, and plates, as seen from above on a white marble surface

Step 1: Lay the chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish large enough to place them in a single layer without overlapping.

Two raw chicken breasts in a white baking dish, as seen from above

Step 2: Peel and lightly crush the garlic, then cut the rosemary sprig into 3 pieces. Distribute the rosemary and garlic around the chicken pieces.

Step 3: Add the lemon juice and olive oil to the baking dish, then season the chicken with salt and pepper.

Garlic, rosemary, seasoning, and lemon added to the raw chicken breasts in a white baking dish, as seen from above

Step 4: Turn the chicken pieces over and let them stand at room temperature for about 45 minutes or in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Step 5: Preheat the grill or heat a grill pan on the stove until very hot.

Step 6: Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 8 minutes.

Chicken breasts placed on a black grill pan on a white marble background, as seen from above

Step 7: Flip the chicken, then pour the marinade over it.

Step 8: Continue grilling until the chicken is cooked through, about 6 to 8 more minutes depending on how thick the pieces are.

Chicken breasts flipped on the black grill plan so yo can see the grill marks on the side facing up; garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs on top

Your juicy chicken breasts are ready to enjoy! Once they’re cooked through, simply transfer them to a clean serving platter and serve hot.

Side view of chicken breasts with grill marks in the black grill pan with rosemary sprigs and garlic cloves on top

What to serve with chicken breast

Chicken breast is a great lean protein to serve for lunch or dinner. And with the subtle lemon, rosemary, and garlic flavors of this marinade, you can enjoy your grilled chicken with almost any dish or side!

One serving of this dish only contains 1 gram of carbs, so it’s great to serve alongside some complex carbs. Flavorful dishes like pearl couscous salad with beans are great options.

Looking for some greens? Whip up some lemony romaine and avocado salad, sesame broccoli slaw, or zucchini noodles with lime pesto!

Of course, you can always keep it simple and serve your grilled chicken over a fresh salad. Add a few of your favorite veggies or toppings and toss with a healthy dressing like lemon vinaigrette, homemade citrus vinaigrette, or greek vinaigrette.

You can really serve this chicken breast with whatever you like!

Side angle of chicken breast on a white speckled plate next to a rosemary sprig, lemon wedge, steamed broccoli, and mashed potatoes; golden fork to the side of the plate

Storage

Looking to do some meal prep? Chicken breast is a perfect protein to keep in the fridge and enjoy throughout the week!

Cooked chicken breast can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just be sure to reheat it gently so it doesn’t dry out.

Overhead view of two white plates with chicken breasts, rosemary sprigs, lemon wedges, steamed broccoli and cauliflower, and mashed potatoes; blue cloth napkin and golden cutlery is around the plates

Other healthy and easy chicken recipes

Chicken breast is a versatile protein that can be served with almost any meal. The key is to make sure it’s juicy and flavorful — no one likes bland and dry chicken!

If you’re looking for more foolproof ways to make tasty chicken, here are a few of my favorite recipes I know you’ll enjoy:

  • Chicken Cacciatore
  • Low-Carb Chicken Tacos
  • Low-Carb General Tso’s Chicken

You can also take a look at this roundup of Easy Diabetic Chicken Recipes (Low-Carb) for more recipe ideas.

When you’ve tried this dish, please don’t forget to let me know how you liked it and rate the recipe in the comments below!

Recipe Card
Grilled marinated chicken breast on a white speckled plate next to a sprig of rosemary and a lemon wedge; side view
5 from 1 vote

Grilled Marinated Chicken Breasts

Sick of boring, dry chicken? You have to try these delicious grilled marinated chicken breasts! They're juicy and flavorful with just a hint of smokiness.
Prep Time:45 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:1 hour
Author:Diabetic Foodie
Servings:4 servings
Review Print

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 medium cloves garlic
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra-virgin)
  • Salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Lay the chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish large enough to place them in a single layer without overlapping.
    1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Peel and lightly crush the garlic, then cut the rosemary sprig into 3 pieces. Distribute the rosemary and garlic around the chicken pieces.
    3 medium cloves garlic, 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • Add the lemon juice and olive oil to the baking dish, then season the chicken with salt and pepper.
    ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, Salt, freshly ground black pepper
  • Turn the chicken pieces over and let them stand at room temperature for about 45 minutes or in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
  • Preheat the grill or heat a grill pan on the stove until very hot.
  • Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 8 minutes.
  • Flip the chicken, then pour the marinade over it.
  • Continue grilling until the chicken is cooked through, about 6 to 8 more minutes depending on how thick the pieces are.

Recipe Notes

This recipe is for 4 servings of grilled chicken.
Cooked chicken can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Info Per Serving

Nutrition Facts
Grilled Marinated Chicken Breasts
Amount Per Serving (6 ounces)
Calories 232 Calories from Fat 95
% Daily Value*
Fat 10.6g16%
Saturated Fat 1.7g11%
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Monounsaturated Fat 6.4g
Cholesterol 97.5mg33%
Sodium 376.2mg16%
Potassium 29.8mg1%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Fiber 0.2g1%
Sugar 0.4g0%
Protein 34.7g69%
Net carbs 1.8g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Diabetic
Keyword: easy dinner recipes, grilled chicken breast
Did you make this recipe?Click here to leave a comment & star rating!

Related Posts

  • Chicken Souvlaki Salad
    Chicken Souvlaki Salad

    This easy chicken souvlaki salad is a delicious, low-carb way to enjoy your favorite Greek…

  • Banh Mi Chicken Burger Lettuce Wraps
    Banh Mi Chicken Burger Lettuce Wraps

    For all that meat and pickled veggie goodness without the bread, you'll love banh mi…

  • Buffalo Chicken Burgers on a bed of lettuce topped with blue cheese dressing
    Buffalo Chicken Burgers

    These buffalo chicken burgers combine all the flavors of buffalo hot wings into one delicious…

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly
  • Email

Reader Interactions

Join the Conversation

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Karriann says

    May 29, 2012 at 10:01 am

    Oh! This could be a wonderful addition to pesto pasta 😉

    “Spice it Up”

    Reply
  2. Terra says

    May 28, 2012 at 12:58 pm

    We love simple, yet delicious grilled chicken! I am so picky with grilled chicken, they can be cooked too much, and WAY too dry then:-) This looks lovely, and I love the addition of rosemary, my favorite herb:-) Hugs, Terra

    Reply
  3. Dhanyo says

    May 27, 2012 at 11:06 am

    I love how the simple recipes are just the best!(Lavender oil works miracles on burns)

    Reply
  4. EA-The Spicy R says

    May 27, 2012 at 10:26 am

    So easy and delicious! I have enough rosemary to last me for a lifetime in my garden. Too bad you don’t live next door-you could pick some anytime :-). Hope your hand is better!

    Reply
  5. Jeanette says

    May 25, 2012 at 9:15 pm

    Sounds like the perfect recipe for a quick and easy dinner. So sorry to hear you burned your hand!

    Reply
  6. Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen says

    May 25, 2012 at 12:28 pm

    This is one of the recipes I marked to try, it looks fabulous! Hope your cold is better and that hand too!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

If you have diabetes, cook for someone who has diabetes or just want to eat healthy, you're in the right place. We firmly believe that a diabetes diagnosis can still mean a life full of flavor!

Read More »

Browse Around

  • Breakfast
  • Appetizers & Snacks
  • Main Dishes
  • Side Dishes
  • Salads & Dressings
  • Soups & Stews

    Footer

    Gluten Free

    Vegetarian chipotle chili in a white bowl on a wooden serving tray with a second bowl and blue checkered napkin in background

    Vegetarian Chipotle Chili (Slow Cooker)

    Two filets of baked salmon in tomato sauce on a white plate next to two lemon wedges

    Salmon in Tomato Sauce

    Low sodium no bean chili in a white bowl topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onion, as seen from above

    Low Sodium No Bean Chili

    Vegan

    Curried Black-Eyed Peas

    Curried Black-Eyed Peas

    Almond Truffles (Vegan, Gluten-free)

    Skinny Vanilla Almond Latte

    Skinny Vanilla Almond Latte (Dairy-free)

    Nutritional Disclaimer

    Please note that we are not nutrition experts or medical professionals. Nutritional information included with each recipe on this site was estimated by using an online nutrition calculator. If accurate nutritional information is critical to your health and well-being, please independently perform the calculations yourself. No information presented on this site is a substitute for the services of a trained health professional.
    Follow me on Facebook! Follow me on Twitter! Follow me on Pinterest! Follow me on Instagram! Email me!
    • Terms of Use Agreement
    • Disclosures
    • Privacy Policy
    Copyright © 2023 Diabetic Foodie and the Diabetic Foodie logo are registered trademarks. All rights reserved.